Grading Rubric

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\lhead{\textbf{ENG 301 --- Advanced Composition}}
\rhead{\textbf{Fall 2025}}
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\begin{center}
  {\Large\bfseries Research Paper Grading Rubric}\\[6pt]
  {\large ENG 301 --- Advanced Composition}\\[4pt]
  Instructor: Dr.\ Catherine Ellis \quad $\vert$ \quad Fall 2025\\[10pt]
  \begin{tabularx}{0.7\textwidth}{@{}X X@{}}
    \textbf{Student Name:} \hrulefill & \textbf{Date:} \hrulefill \\[6pt]
    \textbf{Paper Title:} \multicolumn{2}{l}{\hrulefill} \\
  \end{tabularx}
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\centering
\small
\begin{tabular}{|>{\bfseries}m{2.2cm}|>{\cellcolor{excellent}}m{3cm}|>{\cellcolor{good}}m{3cm}|>{\cellcolor{satisfactory}}m{3cm}|>{\cellcolor{needs}}m{3cm}|C{1cm}|}
\hline
\rowcolor{headerblue}
\textcolor{white}{\textbf{Criterion}} &
\textcolor{white}{\textbf{Excellent (A)}} &
\textcolor{white}{\textbf{Good (B)}} &
\textcolor{white}{\textbf{Satisfactory (C)}} &
\textcolor{white}{\textbf{Needs Work (D/F)}} &
\textcolor{white}{\textbf{Pts}} \\
\hline

Thesis \& Argument (25 pts) &
Clear, original, and compelling thesis. Argument is logically structured with sophisticated reasoning throughout. &
Clear thesis with solid argument. Reasoning is generally sound with minor gaps in logic. &
Thesis is present but vague. Argument is understandable but lacks depth or contains logical inconsistencies. &
No clear thesis or argument is incoherent. Reasoning is absent or fundamentally flawed. &
/25 \\
\hline

Evidence \& Analysis (25 pts) &
Excellent use of 8+ scholarly sources. Evidence is thoroughly analyzed and directly supports claims. Seamless integration of quotes. &
Good use of 6--7 sources. Evidence supports most claims. Analysis is present but could be deeper. &
Adequate use of 4--5 sources. Some evidence is present but analysis is superficial or disconnected from claims. &
Fewer than 4 sources or sources are unreliable. Little to no analysis; evidence is missing or irrelevant. &
/25 \\
\hline

Organization \& Structure (20 pts) &
Masterful organization with clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Paragraphs flow naturally with effective transitions. &
Well-organized with logical flow. Transitions are present. Minor structural issues. &
Basic organization is present. Some paragraphs lack focus or transitions are weak. &
Disorganized; lacks clear structure. Paragraphs are unfocused with no transitions. &
/20 \\
\hline

Writing Quality (15 pts) &
Elegant, precise prose. Virtually error-free grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Academic tone maintained throughout. &
Clear, readable prose with few errors. Tone is generally appropriate. &
Understandable but contains frequent errors that distract the reader. Tone inconsistencies. &
Numerous errors impede comprehension. Inappropriate tone or unclear writing. &
/15 \\
\hline

Citations \& Format (15 pts) &
Perfect MLA/APA formatting. All sources properly cited in-text and in bibliography. &
Minor citation errors (1--2). Formatting is mostly correct. &
Several citation errors or inconsistent formatting. Bibliography is incomplete. &
Widespread citation errors or evidence of plagiarism. No bibliography or incorrect format. &
/15 \\
\hline

\end{tabular}
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\begin{tabularx}{\textwidth}{@{}X r@{}}
  & \textbf{\Large Total Score: \underline{\hspace{1.5cm}} / 100} \\
\end{tabularx}

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\textbf{\large Letter Grade Conversion:}\\[4pt]
\begin{tabular}{@{}llllll@{}}
  A: 93--100 & A$-$: 90--92 & B$+$: 87--89 & B: 83--86 & B$-$: 80--82 & C$+$: 77--79 \\
  C: 73--76 & C$-$: 70--72 & D$+$: 67--69 & D: 60--66 & F: Below 60 & \\
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\textbf{\large Instructor Comments:}

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\textbf{\large Strengths:}

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\textbf{\large Areas for Improvement:}

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